The overall objective of the research program is to understand the ecosystem and global consequences of potential future changes in arctic vegetation. Successful applicants will assist with fieldwork at the tussock tundra site and laboratory work consisting of tasks such as plant sorting and data entry. In addition, successful applicants will attend weekly seminars on the research at the station, will develop their own individual research projects on a topic related to the program and their own interests, and will present their work at an informal symposium at Toolik Field Station. Applicants will be based at Toolik Field Station, north of the Brooks Range in arctic Alaska.

Two positions are available; each pays a stipend of $440 per week (before taxes). These positions are open only to US citizens who are currently undergraduates or have graduated after December 2007. Both positions will begin in June and end in late August 2008.

Classroom background in plant ecology, botany, ecosystem ecology, statistics, and computer science would be an advantage. Laboratory, data analysis, and remote fieldwork experience is preferred. Applicants should have skills with plant identification, data collecting and recording, data manipulation in Excel, and data analysis. Applicants must be willing to work in the field, occasionally under adverse weather conditions. Competent, careful, emotionally mature, and enthusiastic people are encouraged to apply. A valid US Driver's license is required, and successful applicants must provide a copy of their social security card at the time of employment.

The focus of this experiment is to understand the mechanisms by which winter processes affect the summer growth of vegetation. This project will improve the understanding of land surface changes currently occurring in the Arctic, and their potential impacts on climate.

Applicants must submit a cover letter that explains his/her interest in the program and how it fits into his/her long-term education and career goals. Candidates must also submit a CV or resume and the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references.

To apply, please go to:
http://www.uakjobs.com/applicants/Central?quickFind=62449

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 4, 2008.

For more information, please contact:
Syndonia Bret-Harte